Victoria Park Swimming Pool had to be temporarily closed yesterday morning because there weren't enough lifeguards present.
A number of them were said to have called in sick in protest over what they say is a shortage of staff.
Scores of disappointed people were turned away when they got to the swimming pool during a four-hour period.
Alex Kwok from the Hong Kong and Kowloon Lifeguards' Union said eight of the lifeguards had called in sick.
Kwok said the lifeguards have a heavy workload and work very long hours, but the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has so far turned a blind eye to their plight.
The department responded by saying it has maintained sufficient manpower at the pool. But it promised to continue talking to staff to resolve the dispute and minimize any inconvenience to the public.
The pool reopened in the afternoon when a sufficient number of lifeguards were finally on duty. --RTHK